West Ham hoping to win the race for Atletico Madrid defender

The Belgium international has also been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham but, with the Hammers facing a crisis at the back ahead of the London derby against Crystal Palace, they could look to push through a quick deal before the weekend.

Alderweireld, 25, only joined the La Liga champions last summer but he failed to secure a regular first-team place last season.

The Hammers boss has already made seven signings this summer but he knows he would pull off a major coup if he does manage to beat Arsenal and Tottenham to secure the services of Alderweireld in the next 24 hours.